Protein in Urine ?

Protein in Urine ?

I am a Type I x 18 years, currently 30 years old. I went to the dr today and have a bladder infection. She told me I have protein in my urine and I'm completely freaking out!! Does anyone know if protein in the urine can be a result of having a bladder infection and/or taking Pyridium (the urinary pain relief tablets that turn the urine red)? She said the protien was 500+ in my urine. I'm going for a urinalysis in 2 wks but I don't know HOW I'm going to wait 2 weeks bec/ I'm having a nervous breakdown over this. Any help??

I'm wondering how she could tell you had protein in your urine. If she did an in-office urinalysis and you've taken pyridium, the strip is generally pretty unreadable.
I know. I've tried.
It could be due to the UTI, so don't freak out. When was your last microalbumin? When you go in for your next U/A, ask if they can send for a microalbumin if they haven't done so in the last year or if the U/A still shows protein.
If you aren't on an ACE inhibitor, you may want to ask for one. It's a type of blood pressure medication that at low doses can be renal protective.

Amy S. Parker, , WOD

What's the difference between Bigfoot and a cure for diabetes? There have been sightings of Bigfoot!

I really wish the doctors would be more careful with throwing the protein numbers around. The only accurate way to measure protein in the urine is to do a 24 hour urine. You save your urine in a special tub and then they measure it for everything. You need to know how much protein you were spilling in a 24 hour period in grams before you get all bent about it. There are many reasons you would have protein in your urine. Since you are going in for a urinalysis in 2 weeks, go back to the doctor, get a new lab slip for a 24 hour urine and have them give you the tub too. You bring it in to the lab when you get your blood drawn. Then you will know.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I did get in touch with my endo yesterday and he told me that a UTI can cause a false positive re: protein in the urine. I will go in 2 wks for a urinalysis and hopefully everything is okay. I agree that MD's should not throw around 'oh and by the way, you have a lot of protein in your urine.' It's alarming and quite scary for an educated diabetic who tries to take good care of her body. Thanks again everyone!!!

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I am so glad that you got some reliable information. Anytime you have a trauma to your body where the kidneys are involved you can have protien in the urine. Doesn't mean you should automatically assume you are in some renal problems. That doctor really needs to be educated. If I was you , at the next appointment I would get some information and take it to the doctor. I would also let the doctor know how that news you received effected you. That way, you might prevent someone else from having to go through the samething.

You can set yourself to be sick, or you can choose to stay well.
- Wayne Dyer

For whomever posted the response about my post...I am aware what protein in the kidneys signals. However, as a nurse and CDE I also know that protein in the urine can signal the beginning of a long journey with kidney issues. It's not what I want to face ever if I can avoid doing so.
I had a repeat UA done and my urinalysis was negative for protein. Therefore I'm in the clear. What a scare for me though! Sometimes MD's are not as 'smart' as they think and should just keep their mouth closed until they are 'sure!'
Thanks!